A draft Hays County Transportation Plan (HCTP) released Nov. 8th will guide new and enlarged roads for the next 10+ years. Many of the changes are good and necessary, but some will have a negative impact on neighborhoods. A map of the draft HCTP is printed on the back of this ALERT. Your input to your elected officials can influence the selection of new roads and improvements that will be included in the final HCTP. Please review the draft HCTP and consider the comments below offered by the Citizens Alliance for Responsible Development (CARD), a local citizen awareness group.

REVIEW OF HAYS COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PLAN BY CARD:

ISSUES

• Major growth in Hays County will be focused along the Hwy 290 and IH 35 corridors, while the interior (central area) of Hays County will have modest growth per CAMPO 2035 Plan..
• Our water supply in central Hays County is primarily from groundwater pumped from an underground aquifer and must be protected for the future. By keeping open spaces, the rainfall can penetrate into the soil and crevices and refill the aquifer, thereby insuring a sustainable water source.
• New roads NF 21, NF 24, NF 25, NF 26, and NF 27 were recommended by Wimberley five years ago, but are outside the city’s jurisdiction and will create a burden on Hays County taxpayers.

TRANSPORTATION PLAN COMMENTS

• Current residents of the Hill Country treasure its rural character, open spaces, and clear flowing creeks and rivers - an important factor in Hill Country property values.
• New and improved roads in Hwy 290 and IH 35 growth corridors are consistent with CARD’s plan to support growth in those corridors, while central Hays County remains low impact rural development with special attention given to environmentally sensitive areas.
• Expansion of FM 150 to four lane divided from Dripping Springs to Kyle/Buda directs traffic away from the rural interior and is recommended.
• RM 12 from Dripping Springs at FM 150 south through Wimberley is a two lane road and is recommended.
• RM 12 from the Wimberley Junction east to San Marcos should be downgraded from a six lane to a four lane parkway.
• RM 32 west of the Wimberley Junction through Devils Backbone is one of the county’s most treasured drives, and should remain as a two lane divided road per plan.
• Remove new road NF 12 due to impact on Onion Creek watershed and Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone.
• Remove new road NF 26 due to conflict with Mustang Valley subdivision.
• Remove new road NF 27 due to disruption of River Oaks subdivision, very expensive bridge over Blanco River, and rugged terrain.
• Remove new road NF 25 due to crossing environmentally sensitive aquifer recharge area and limited use.
• Remove new road NF 21 due to disruption of existing area creating cut through for truck traffic.
• Remove new road NF 24 due to limited use and high cost.
• Designate NF 16 for Emergency Access Only and construct as a gravel road with gated access.
• Remove new road NF 7 due to duplication with RM 12.

YOUR ACTION:

REVIEW THE PLAN AND CONTACT YOUR HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY OFFICIALS WITH YOUR COMMENTS.

WEBSITE/EMAIL CONTACTS ARE:
www.co.hays.tx.us
www.cityofwimberley.com
www.cityofwoodcreek.com
or email: haystransportationplan@gmail.com

CARDtalk, 11/8/12